The Balloon Crew

Bespoke Mentoring: Supporting Every Young Person, Uniquely

What if the system meant to help kids actually pushes them away? And how do we support those who don’t fit the mould of mainstream education? In this episode, Chris East speaks with Chris Powell from Bespoke Mentoring - an organisation born from lived experience, supporting young people who’ve fallen through the gaps. Chris shares how his own school journey shaped his sixth sense for spotting emotional vulnerability, and why personalised, relationship-led support can change everything. Every young person is different, and so is the support they need. Bespoke Mentoring helps young people uncover barriers, rebuild trust, and find their path forward. Connect with Chris Powell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-powell-6a1b22157/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-powell-6a1b22157/] Website: https://www.bespokementoring.org/ [https://www.bespokementoring.org/] ----- The Balloon Crew - Soaring To New Heights In Safeguarding Host of this episode:  Chris East, Chris Powell The Balloon Crew podcast is produced by Chris East and Leah East from ⁠Cornerstone Safeguarding⁠ [https://www.cornerstonesafeguarding.co.uk/] Follow Cornerstone Safeguarding on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/102020259]

Burnout: My Fault Or My Choice?

What if burnout isn’t just a side effect of your job - but of your thinking? In this episode of The Balloon Crew Podcast, Chris East chats with Jane Reason to rethink everything we know about burnout. Drawing from her own experience, Jane challenges the idea that burnout is inevitable in demanding roles like education, healthcare, and beyond. What if burnout doesn’t need to exist at all? What if we could choose a different response? Jane explores how our environment, our thinking, and the stories we tell ourselves shape how we experience pressure and exhaustion. Together, they ask: Is it our fault, or is it our choice? What happens when we take off the ‘thought goggles’ and see more of what’s possible? This episode is a compassionate, thought-provoking invitation to step back, get curious, and see burnout in a whole new way. Jane is revolutionising self and system leadership through her Leadership Tree and Transformational Coaching. Connect with Jane: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-reason/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-reason/] --------- The Balloon Crew Soaring To New Heights In Safeguarding Host of this episode:  Chris East, Jane Reason The Balloon Crew podcast is produced by Chris East and Leah East from ⁠Cornerstone Safeguarding⁠ [https://www.cornerstonesafeguarding.co.uk/] Follow Cornerstone Safeguarding on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/102020259]

Get Real Sessions: Rethinking Sex Education

What really shapes our views on sex education - and are schools getting it right? In this episode, Chris East dives into a raw and real conversation with Becky Blackledge, Founder of 'Get Real Sessions', about why inclusive, age-appropriate sex education is so crucial for young people today. They explore how personal experiences shape our views on sex ed, and why it needs to go beyond biology - covering healthy relationships, consent, online life, and self-identity. Becky shares how her four-part programme helps schools meet statutory guidance while making space for meaningful conversations that prepare young people for life. Connect With Becky: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-blackledge-b009b6296/] Get Real Sessions Website [https://www.getrealsessions.co.uk/] ----- Soaring To New Heights In Safeguarding Host of this episode:  Chris East, Becky Blackledge The Balloon Crew podcast is produced by Chris East and Leah East from ⁠Cornerstone Safeguarding⁠ [https://www.cornerstonesafeguarding.co.uk/] Follow Cornerstone Safeguarding on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/102020259]

Introducing MAAPPLinkIndex: Smarter Support at Your Fingertips

Feeling Stuck Finding the Right Support for Vulnerable Individuals? You're not alone. In this episode, Chris East is joined by Caroline Flynn from MAAPPUK to reveal a small but powerful tool that’s changing the way professionals connect people to the support they need. Imagine a simple keyring that gives you instant access to over 1,000 trusted resources - ready to use anytime on your smartphone, tablet, or shared via email. The ‘LinkIndex’ keyring - a clever bit of kit - puts vital information right at your fingertips exactly when it's needed. We dive into why early intervention is so important, and why working smarter, not harder is the future of professional support. With over 30 years of frontline and leadership experience across both the voluntary and statutory sectors, Caroline shares insights from her role as a Child Protection Chair — ensuring the resources she brings are relevant, practical, and powerful. Connect on LinkedIn: Caroline Flynn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/safeguardinguk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/safeguardinguk/] MAAPPUK: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maappuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/maappuk/] ---- Soaring To New Heights In Safeguarding Host of this episode:  Chris East, Caroline Flynn The Balloon Crew podcast is produced by Chris East and Leah East from ⁠Cornerstone Safeguarding⁠ [https://www.cornerstonesafeguarding.co.uk/] Follow Cornerstone Safeguarding on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/102020259]

Safeguarding Across Borders: Encompass Safeguarding

In this episode of The Balloon Crew, Chris East chats with Sian Jorgensen — Child Protection Consultant, Director of Encompass Safeguarding, and Founder of ©SAFE Interviewing. With over 20 years of international experience, Sian offers valuable insight into the challenges and responsibilities of safeguarding in international schools and diverse communities. They discuss the importance of building connections and why everyone has a duty of care — wherever they work. Sian also unpacks how cultural, legal, and safeguarding expectations can differ globally, and how her work supports senior leaders in navigating these complexities. Learn how Sian’s SAFE Interviewing programme is transforming child protection responses with trauma-informed, sensitive, and effective interviewing practices. A must-listen for anyone working in international education or safeguarding — and anyone passionate about creating safer environments for children worldwide. Connect with Sian: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sian-jorgensen/] Encompass Safeguarding [https://www.encompass-safeguarding.com/] ----- The Balloon Crew Soaring To New Heights In Safeguarding Host of this episode:  Chris East, Sian Jorgensen The Balloon Crew podcast is produced by Chris East and Leah East from ⁠Cornerstone Safeguarding⁠ [https://www.cornerstonesafeguarding.co.uk/] Follow Cornerstone Safeguarding on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/102020259]